It's unclear whether it was the town, police, neighbors, or all of the above that had a problem with his yard. 

Just my .02 and once again police’s do vary from company to company so obviously do your due diligence!  

About 1.5 years ago I decided to move my 'office' into my living room and fully furnish my extra bedroom and bathroom for traveling students & professionals. 

I chose to rent to a local law enforcement officer instead because he had a steady job, good credit and lived locally.

I am sure there are other things that would need to be done first.Someone posted about working part-time at a RE or investor's office, and I would be willing to do that for a fixed, short-term, like 6 months or so, but a lot of the job postings require a license. 

We have a large property management company our entire office uses it to manage hundreds of units.

Typically if you do get a ticket, they'll waive it if you do get it registered or become a super great negotiator with the police officer. 

Do you know anyone who is investing in the debt of distressed office buildings, and then buying them at a cheap price once they default? 

If you have a warrant and the police stop you, they will give you another ticket for the warrant. rinse. repeat.

I turned this into a rental last year when I had to go back into the office full time.